Author: Becky Michel

Declaring His Faithfulness: No Power, a Few Candles, and a Little Kumbaya

Video ~ ~ Becky Michel

Dear Family and Friends,

Last week I started my 8th year teaching at The Greenhouse. Two full days. 3 courses. 9 classes. 5th – 12th grades.

“Mrs. Michel – it’s like you’re back to the way you were at the beginning of last year!” “Your hair is great – but you rocked those hats!” “You can stand while you teach.”

I’m getting stronger.

Kumbaya. The song was originally a simple appeal to God to come and help those in need. ~Stephen Winick

Each year I host a Parent Orientation for families new to my Writer’s Workshop. Tomorrow night will be my 8th Orientation.

Most Parent Orientations are fairly pleasant, uneventful gatherings.

But not last year: We spent several terrifying minutes crouched in the hallway, heads covered, praying, while the tornado siren blared.

And not my 2nd year at The Greenhouse. That Parent Orientation was life changing.

If you ever feel insecure, less-than, or struggle with over-functioning (to keep from looking like a complete idiot!), then this video will encourage you!

Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD. Zechariah 4:6

Thanking God for you!

Love, Becky (His.Princess.Warrior.)

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11)

Update 8/16: “Wonder Drug” or “Drug from Hell”?

~ Becky Michel

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for helping us with your prayers, caring about and following our story, and affirming God’s work  via texts, visits, and “likes.”

How am I doing? Stronger! Tim says I’m at 74%.

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Today, my run (bouncy walk) pace was the fastest it has been since Oct. 14, 2014! We’re biking 15 miles, 2-3 times per week. I’m back to grocery shopping and cooking meals. And I’ve had the summer off, learning to rest.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;  my hope comes from him.  Psalm 62:5

And I’m also struggling and need prayer.

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Declaring His Faithfulness: When Knowing About God is not Enough

Video ~ ~ Becky Michel

Dear Friends and Family,

(MUCH shorter video – under three minutes! Woo hoo!)

Cancer stinks. (Update coming soon. Seeing doc tomorrow. Keep praying.) But God…

One good coming from the stink is my renewed commitment to tell my God stories. I’m hoping each story will reveal the God of the Bible, and that each of you will say your next yes to God.

This story: He invites all of us to know Him – not only know about Him.

I’ve come from knowing very little about God, to knowing more about Him, to knowing Him, to the thrill of knowing Him – more and more.

Current example:  I know the Bible teaches God is our rest; He’s shade in the heat. We can sing for joy in the shadow of His wings. I believe this is true because the Bible tells me so.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;  my hope comes from him.  Psalm 62:5

But this year – through the cancer – I’m coming to know God, experientially, as my rest, shade, and shadow (where I really can sing for joy!).

Here’s how it looks for me:

I curl up in my bed and imagine myself at the throne of grace – which God invites us to come, boldly!

And I just stay. Right there.

Where my BIG God, who dearly loves me, keeps His eye on me. I’m quiet.

Rest. Shade. Shadow.

That’s it. I don’t do anything. I’m just there. And getting a glimpse of what “cease striving and know that I am God” looks like.

In what way do you know about God but don’t know Him? And you want to! You believe but from the stands – like a fan. But God invites us to know Him, like a “Chad hits hard!” tackle!

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17

Thanking God for you! Praying we know Him – more and more.

Love, Becky (His.Princess.Warrior.)

(Who, by faith, is finding Him faithful as my rest, shade, and shadow for joyful singing!

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11)

 

Declaring His Faithfulness: When we need to KNOW God directs our steps (and loves to lavish grace!)

~ Becky Michel

Dear Family and Friends,

Another story declaring God’s faithfulness to the next generation, another story showing Him BIG and wonderful – to an average woman, to the least.

Yikes! When Zach told me the story is 11:40, I wanted a do-over! No can do, says Zach.

But please go ahead and watch this one. It’s worth the nearly 12 minutes – the story is good (and my expressions and gestures are pretty funny!). The next story will be shorter!! Much shorter!

(And let me tell you how I ended up with ORANGE hair!)

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Update 5/28 – Trending Stronger

Image ~ ~ Becky Michel

IMG_2557Dear praying friends and family,

Thank you for helping us with your prayers!

A friend from school told me her church prays for me every morning, and last week I met a handful of people who said, “You don’t know me, but I feel like I know you. I pray for you every night.” I am so encouraged when you remind me, “We’re praying for you!”

Here’s the Latest:

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“But God…”

Video ~ ~ Becky Michel


Dear Friends and Family,

Often, I want to shout to the world: God healed me!

But as for me, I will always have hope;   I will praise You more and more. Ps 71:14

Always, I want to tell the stories of God’s faithfulness, stories revealing who He is, “But God…” stories.

My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. Ps 71:15

Recently, a student said, “Mrs. Michel, you could make a million dollars if you published all your stories!” (I love love love teaching!!)

I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone. Ps 71:16

On Mother’s Day  (thanks to the production team at Harvest Naperville!), everyone in my church heard one of my “But God” stories through this video. After the service, my pastor messaged me about the buzz in the lobby: You’ll love this – one guy said he was going to tattoo “But God” on his back! 

Since my youth, O God, You have taught me,  and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Ps 71: 17

Today, I get to post this one story for the whole world to hear!

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Ps 71:18

Thanking God for you! And praying we know God as Bigger– more and more. (And asking Him to tattoo “But God” on all our hearts!)

Love, Becky (His.Princess.Warrior.)

(Who, by faith, is standing in grace and hoping in the glory of God!)

 

 

 

 

 

Update 4/2 – Because you Care and Many Pray

Image ~ ~ Becky Michel
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3/22 Check-up only — no chemo! (I know – why the weird face? Mint? But Tim looks great!)

 “I can be fun – when it’s absolutely necessary – for short amounts of time.” -Tim Michel (When discussing what I need most from him.)

Dear praying family and friends,

Although I had high hopes of completing my promised four part post, “Facing the Facts,” I was only able to write parts one and two before entering a month of BIG TIME, day to day,  facing the facts.

That last chemo (3/1) was a doozy, and I was too pooped and foggy to blog a single word.

Today’s post is an Update. I’m wishing it were art, but I realize it’s more like a list written in crayon.

Because you care, and many pray – and I need you.

Here’s the Latest:

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Facing the Facts (Part 1) – A Year of Drought

Image ~ ~ Becky Michel

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Dear praying friends and family,

Do you know I’m blogging for three reasons: Prayer. Declare. Share.? Have you checked out the “About” page? Because…

As my final chemo treatment approaches (Tuesday), I’m super reflective and need to write about all three, so I’m posting in four parts: 1. A Year of Drought  2. Forever Side Effects  3. Girlhood Dreams  4. Lifelong Prognosis. Unless…

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